Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili Recipe (2024)

Published: Jan 3, 2024 by Ansley Beutler

This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili combines the lean and savory goodness of ground turkey with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that's both healthy and delicious. With its delightful blend of flavors and the added bonus of being a fantastic make-ahead option, this chili promises to become a family favorite for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili

If you're in the mood for a heartwarming and flavor-packed dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also warms your soul, then this sweet potato chili is the recipe you've been searching for.

As someone who is known for taking classic comforting dishes and lightening them up with healthier and more wholesome ingredients, this turkey sweet potato chili is up there on my list of all time favorite recipes.

This delightful twist on traditional chili takes the comforting, rich flavors of a classic chili and infuses them with the natural sweetness and earthy goodness of sweet potatoes. Together with lean ground turkey, the result is a hearty and nutritious one-pot wonder that will have you coming back for seconds.

Why You'll Love this Healthy & Delicious Sweet Potato Chili Recipe

• Dietary features - gluten free, dairy free, and Whole30 compliant
• Made with nourishing and wholesome ingredients
• Prepared in under an hour
• Can be made in a crockpot
• Freezer friendly

Sweet Potato Turkey Chili Ingredients & Substitutions

• Sweet potatoes - This is what adds a soft a creamy texture to the chili (similar to beans). Feel free to remove the skins off the potato before dicing but this isn't necessary.
• Ground turkey - I personally prefer the white meat but dark meat will work as well. Use anywhere from 85% - 95% fat free. You need the fat to help keep it soft and moist. I've tried this with 99% fat free turkey and it's a little too dry.
• Tomato sauce - This is the base of the sauce. Make sure to use tomato sauce, not paste. Use low sodium if preferred.
• Broth - Again, use low sodium if you can. I like to use vegetable broth or bone broth but any type will work.
• Chili powder - This will add some heat to the chili. Omit and use some extra paprika if desired.

How to make Sweet Potato Chili

I typically prepare this beanless chili on the stove in a large pot or in an Instant Pot. See notes below on cooking this in a slow cooker.

Step 1 : Sautée the onions and turkey

In a large pot (or in an Instant Pot on the sautée function) heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and stir until soft.

Add the ground turkey and break it up into small pieces using a spatula until it's brown all the way through. Add the garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder and gently mix.

Step 2 : Add the sweet potatoes

Add the sweet potatoes, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir gently to mix. Place the lid on top and allow the mixture to cook for about 20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.

If you're using an Instant Pot, use the "keep warm" function. The chili will thicken up with time and become even more flavorful.

How to Serve Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

Serve the chili in bowls with toppings of choice. Here are a few of my favorite ways to top this turkey chili:

• Avocado - Chopped into chunks, they add some major creaminess to the dish.
• Greek yogurt - An alternative to the traditional sour cream. I prefer 0% fat as it's thicker and creamier. Use dairy free if needed.
• Jalapeño - This is my husband's favorite. A few slices will add some extra heat to the chili.
• Cheese - I little shredded cheese is always great with chili! You can also use dairy free if needed - the Violife brand is my go-to dairy free cheese brand.
• Toasted bread - Adds some nice crunch on top!

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Chili: Crockpot Version

This recipe can easily be made in a crockpot as well. Drizzle the olive oil along the bottom then add the ground turkey followed by the sweet potatoes, onion, and spices.

Pour the fire roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth over top and stir to combine. Cook on low for 5 - 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Check the doneness towards the end to test the softness of the sweet potatoes. If they are soft enough to be cut with a spoon, the chili is done.

Storing & Freezing Sweet Potato Chili

Storing Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

Allow the chili to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. This will limit condensation from forming on top of the chili. Store the container in the fridge were it will keep for up to 5 days.

When ready to enjoy, portion out into individual bowls and heat in the microwave or heat it up in a pot on the stove until warm.

Freezing Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Chili

This beanless chili also freezes really well! I actually think it tastes even better than when it's fresh since the mixture has had time to absorb all the flavors and spices.

To freeze, store the container in the freezer where it will keep for 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat on the stove and enjoy!

Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili FAQs

For more cozy meals, try my:

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